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As SeaWorld's popularity continues to plummet after the documentary Blackfish came crashing down and soaked them in controversy, Mattel has announced they've put an end to their SeaWorld-branded Barbie dolls."We're not making the doll anymore. Consumers may find it on retail shelves but we are not shipping and not producing the doll," Mattel spokesman Alex Clark told NBC News on Friday. However, the toy manufacturer's spokesman was quite diplomatic about the reasons for the move. "A number of factors go into a decision like that. Their licensing deal expired and we've elected not to renew it."
The move is seen as a victory for animal rights activists, who have long contended that the captive whales at the theme park are mistreated. PETA pushed Mattel to stop making the doll ever since it was launched in 2009. "She's now able to maintain her animal-friendly image," said PETA spokesperson Stephanie Shaw of the doll that has always served as the ideal image for young girls to look up to.
The SeaWorld Barbie line included a "Baby Animal Rescuer," "Wildlife Rescuer," "Sea World Trainer," and an "Antarctica Penguin Fun" playset that frankly looks pretty fun.